Singapore swimmer Joseph Schooling on new Portraits of the People website

SINGAPORE - National swimmer and Asian Games gold medallist Joseph Schooling was among the first to submit his self-portrait online in a self-portrait movement.

The movement is part of the National Gallery Singapore's launch of the Portraits of the People website, which is a new avenue for people to sketch, submit their self-portraits and reflect on being part of the community that built Singapore.

The self-sketches will be curated and etched onto the Art Connector, a 290 metre permanent commemorative walkway which stretches from City Hall MRT station to the entrance of the Gallery at Coleman Street.

Anyone can contribute their self-portrait from a desktop or laptop. Participants can opt to take a photograph of themselves with a web camera or choose to use a favourite photograph.

The movement is not only open to Singaporeans but to those living abroad as well.

Schooling, who is based in the United States, said: "I'm not always in Singapore, so I'm really happy that this website allows overseas Singaporeans like me to be involved in SG50 festivities, even while I'm away from home."

Other than Schooling. others who have participated in Portraits of the People include Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and local celebrities like Joanne Peh and local musician Sara Wee.

The new website will be collect personal refelctions over a seven-month period ending in May 2015.

Interested participants can visit www.portraitsofthepeople.sg for more information.